PhD Research Studentships
Printed thermoelectric devices
| Supervisor: | Oliver FENWICK |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert waste heat into electricity. This invites the possibility of self-powered devices which generate the energy they require from any temperature gradient. These devices can operate as local power sources for electronics and sensors. A TEG placed on someone’s skin could even generate electricity from the temperature gradient between their own body and the surrounding air. This could power a wireless medical sensor that monitors patients at their home and uploads data to the local hospital. Yet TEGs are not in common use outside of niche military and space applications. The reason for this is the cost and toxicity of current inorganic thermoelectric materials, as well as their weight, rigidity and brittleness.
Organic and hybrid thermoelectric materials are low cost, solution processable (they can be printed) and mechanically flexible. Yet much is still unkown about organic TEG (OTEG) device physics, or how the component materials interact with one another. In this project, a 3D OTEG will be fabricated on by 2D printing processes. Detailed optimization will cover electrode-semiconductor interactions, contact resistance minimisation, geometry optimization and minimization of thermal shortcuts. Furthermore, this proposal is written with the conviction that a fundamental understanding of OTEG device physics will accelerate commercialisation in this field.
In particular this project aims to:
1. Optimise device design using finite element simulation.
2. Use scalable printing techniques to fabricate TEGs.
3. Develop ion exchange and other doping techniques to maximise material performance.
4. Measure the performance of the TEGs, study their device physics and the thermoelectric properties of the component materials.
Funding Funded by: China Scholarship Council Candidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants. Application Deadline is 4pm (UK time) 28th January 2026
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Oliver FENWICK.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-708" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Keywords: | Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Thermodynamics, Materials Science - Other, Chemical Physics |